Rep. Rick Little: Priorities for session lost to partisan Senate

I was eager to get started when I came to Santa Fe in January to represent District 53. I knew there was a lot to do and it was going to be hard work. I was focused on one priority — to make life better for you and your family.

Recently, the session came to a close. In just 60 days, the House of Representatives was able to pass a number of bipartisan bills that would have accomplished our goal.

I supported House legislation that would have given New Mexicans a choice in whether or not they join a union or pay dues to one, stopped passing students onto the next grade even though they can't read, repealed the dangerous law that gives illegal immigrants a New Mexico driver's license as well as many bills that would have protected our children from those who want to do them harm.

In addition, I supported a budget that will allocate more funds where we need them most — our schools. I also supported a capital outlay package that would have brought jobs and much needed infrastructure projects to communities across the state.

Here's a closer look at what some of my priorities were this session.

"Right to work" would have given New Mexicans the freedom and choice they deserve when it comes to paying or joining a union. The protections would have also been good for our economy by eliminating red tape that turns away many businesses.

I joined both Republicans and Democrats to pass the legislation that would have given our children the tools they need to succeed in the future and stop passing the buck. Right now that's what our system does. We just pass children onto the next grade even if they can't read. Instead we need to help them improve.

And it's just too dangerous for us to continue issuing state driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. This law has made us a magnet for criminal activity and that has put families at risk. Not to mention, soon our driver's licenses won't even comply with federal law.

Further, the House majority made an effort to stop putting our children in harms way — an effort I support wholeheartedly. Many of our members sponsored child safety legislation that would have made penalties harsher on perpetrators harming children and closed loopholes that are putting children in danger.

Disappointingly, the Senate chose to play politics with New Mexico's future and didn't vote on many bills the House sent them, including the House's capital outlay package.

The revised capital outlay package that the House sent to the Senate would have provided funding for many infrastructure projects across the state. But now we'll miss out on these job-creating opportunities.

There was some agreement however; both parties were able to come together on the state's budget.

This year's budget will help to develop the economy because more money will go toward initiatives that will help create jobs. Like the Job Training and Incentive Program and the New Mexico MainStreet program — these programs are proven to create jobs because they level the playing field for New Mexico's small businesses.

The budget also calls for an increase in teacher salaries and funding for programs that will help struggling students. And beyond that, it will better fund child and public safety measures because everyone should feel safe and protected.

As you can see, we made some progress on behalf of New Mexicans this legislative session. It is an honor to represent the people of Doña Ana and Otero counties, and I look forward to returning next year to continue my work on your behalf.

Rick Little, R-Chaparral, represents District 53 in the New Mexico House of Representatives.